Achi news desk-
Mr MacDonald, who was praised by International Beverage for his “integrity, skill, depth and great personality”, began his career at Glenmorangie, where he worked his way up over 17 years to the position of assistant distillery manager. He then joined Balblair where he took up the position of manager “without even reading the contract”.
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International Beverage noted that Mr MacDonald’s achievements included building a tight-knit team, opening an award-winning visitor centre, and leading the distillery’s sustainability programme, which has seen it move away from heavy fuels and recently install a TVR (thermal vapor recompression). technology to improve energy efficiency.
The distiller said Mr MacDonald, who holds the prestigious title of quaich, has also built a reputation as one of the sector’s “most popular global whiskey brand ambassadors”.
He will be succeeded at Balblair by David Rogerson, who will move from his role as assistant distillery manager at Speyburn, which he joined in 2020.
Mr MacDonald said: “My time as distillery manager at Balblair has been a huge honor and a job I’ve really enjoyed over the years. Balblair is an exceptional single malt whiskey that I have been so proud to craft and represent over the years, following in the footsteps of a long line of makers dating back to 1790.
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“I want to say a big thank you to the distillery team, past and present, for their craftsmanship, dedication and friendship, with particular reference to assistant manager Norman Laing, who is the best in the business and whose help has been invaluable. I also want to offer a warm welcome to David, and wish him the best of luck in the role. I have had the pleasure of working alongside him in recent months and I know that Balblair is in very good hands for future generations.”
Malcolm Leask, managing director of International Beverage, said: “In John, we couldn’t have asked for a better custodian for our superb Balblair Scotch single malt whisky. He has given us his best for nearly two decades and leaves our whiskey and distillery in a stronger place for the future. We thank you John for your exceptional service. It’s good to know that your skill and craftsmanship will be present in every bottle of Balblair for many years to come.
We also offer a very warm welcome to David today as he joins the Balblair team. These are very big shoes to fill, but David has proven himself to be a very skilled whiskey maker and will build on John’s legacy to take Balblair into an exciting next chapter.”
